No response came from the tent. Erikal stood around for a time, peering at her horses and then back to Korvas who he could tell was gnawing at the bit to disregard his order to stay and get his social game on with the filly. He snorted and forced himself to look the other way and that made Erikal chuckle. Erikal called for Merevaika once more, but yet again no reply. He shrugged his shoulders and turned away only to find Merevaika striding up the path, excited dogs in tow!
Erikal laughed heartily and was soon swarmed by the happy pups. He greeted them with playful pats and scratched heads. A little more time was given to Freya, who was her usual rambunctious self. He grinned to Merevaika. "Not long at all. Me and Korvas just got here actually," he said and before he could get another word out, the woman smiled mysteriously and brushed by him and into her tent.
He was left with the flowery scent of her passing and the dogs hopping up and down still attempting to cram in as much affection as they could. Erikal didn't know if he was supposed to follow her in or stay outside. He felt strangely flushed and had a keen desire to invade her tent and take the woman in his arms and do things a man did to his opposing gender.
But his parents didn't raise such a young man. Though he had a wild spirit, he did believe one should follow certain principles. And his aunt's warning had not left his thoughts. He knew very little about Merevaika. She might be a vixen in disguise. Even if she wasn't, she might have romantic designs with another Drykas man. Erikal decided it was best to keep to the game plan. Look on how best to purchase Freya. Even though he did not have the money Merevaika asked for, he was sure he could make it up to her by doing things. Surely she would have need of some of his skills.
Before long the woman emerged from her tent with what appeared to be meat and a pot. He grinned wolfishly at her. It was surely true what his Uncle often told him: the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach! Though Merevaika called for a helping hand, Erikal was already moving before she spoke up. Gathering wood for the fire pit and bringing spark to whatever available tinder she carried via flint. A fire was soon blazing in the pit. He studied her efforts in the cooking process whilst fending off eager pup muzzles. Though he was no expert cook by any means, he thought a stew usually called for spices and such. When the woman glanced up from her toil, he arched a brow and motioned to the boiling water and meat. "You cook often?" he inquired with a wry smile that indicated he wasn't sure if she did.
But he soon forgot all about culinary practices with the woman's green eyes leveled on him and an expectant look brewing within her gaze. He didn't know if he should kiss her or begin by more discourse on the dog sale. Though he'd much rather start with the former, he obediently opted for the latter. His eyes left her to stare down at the fire, stoking it with a stick. "Right. About Freya. So I've been doing some thinking about that. Since I don't have the money, I thought it might be in both our interests, if I could do things for you," he said with a grin, meeting her eyes. But it was soon apparent that was a very very broad statement. One that made him blush fiercely as he stared at her. "....um work related I mean. I know you don't have much help out here. Figured you might need someone."
Recalling his desire to know more about her, he continued on in a way that he hoped wasn't too prying. "Merevaika. I was curious. Where is your family? Why do you live far away from the others? You know if you need anything all you have to do is ask. My Uncle is the Ankal and my family is generous to those they call friend." He hadn't meant to blurt all of that out, but once the young man got a full head of steam, it was quite hard to slow down!